Stories, quotes, videos, recipes and more...all parts of my ongoing evolution to become a compassionate consumer; things I have learned along the way about preparing and eating vegan meals for myself, my family and friends.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

I recently purchased a used copy of The Vegetarian Way - Total Health for You and Your Family (Virginia Messina and Mark Messina).

What a fantastic resource and cook book! If I was just starting to investigate "vegetarianism" this is one of the books I would recommend. I really enjoy reading about the science of food and this book devotes a good 80% to that very subject. The authors know of what they write - Virginia is a registered dietitian, with a MA in public health nutrition, and Mark holds a PhD in nutrition. Topics cover a wide range, from the obvious: getting started, making the transition, stocking the pantry, meal planning, etc. to pregnancy, breast feeding, the older vegetarian, children, the athlete, the teenager. Other chapters cover traveling and weight control (a perennial favourite in our culture!) The book is divided into 5 parts with a total of 24 chapters. Recipes are at the very end - a nice, varied selection - vegan, quick to prepare and so far, absolutely delicious!

This evening I prepared the Tofu with Spicy Peanut Sauce - I was very pleased with the results (a tangy alternative to ketchup).

Here are the ingredients:

2 lbs firm tofu

3 tbsp vegetable oil

5 tbsp smooth peanut butter

3 tbsp brown sugar

4 tbsp tamari

1 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp minced garlic

1 to 2 tbsp water

Cut the tofu into pieces and brush each piece, lightly, with oil. Spread in 1 layer on a cookie sheet and place under the broiler. Broil on both sides for about 10 minutes until crispy and golden brown.

In a bowl, mix all other ingredients, less the water. Then add just enough water to give the sauce a creamy consistence. Use as a sauce or dip for the fried tofu.
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Today I went grocery shopping, and ended up buying PC Meatless Chicken Breasts (they come in a package of 8). These have been at Fortinos for a few months now, but I always thought they were a little expensive (they're $12.99), and wasn't too sure of their quality. I hadn't read any reviews about it, but I decided to try it out today. I haven't actually prepared/eaten them, but I was just looking up customer reviews online and the feedback was extremely positive! Some people even said they couldn't tell the difference between the product and real chicken, and they ended up fooling family members, etc. Now I am really excited to try them. I'll let you know what I think of them once I try them! Just wanted to let you know because I don't remember seeing a review of these up on your blog. You might want to check it out :)

Hi there,Re the PC Chickenless Breast, check one of my previous entries - I reviewed these and the PC beef strips a few weeks back.Talk about coinky-dinks - this is what I am preparing for supper tonight. I have roasted 2 "faux chicken breasts" which I will slice up and stuff into 2 pita pockets. For a sauce, my husband likes the HP Chicken & Rib, but I will probably put some of the spicy tofu dip I made last night on my slices. And to fill up the pocket, I have prepared a tossed lettuce/spinach salad with mandarin slices, sunflower seeds and a few dried cranberries. I think you will like the PC faux breasts - let me know how they went over!Kind regards,Prasad

I'm eating the faux chicken breast right now, and I am really liking it. I like the seasoning - it's not too strong, so you can season it to your own preference. I baked it in the oven and it was nice and juicy when it came out. I'm eating it plain with rice (although I did pepper it a little), and it is delicious. (Although it would probably be even more flavourful had I taken the time to marinade the "chicken"). Perhaps next time, when I'm not as busy studying for exams!

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I became a vegetarian in my mid-forties for all the wrong reasons. A few years later I viewed the documentary, A Cow at my Table and really saw how animals were processed for food. My eyes had been opened, never to be shut again. The quality that now filters my every choice is one of compassion. As a result, I find that a vegan diet is simple and easy to follow.

About Me

Hello my name is Michele. I am a retired office manager, wife, mother, sister, and ASPIRING VEGAN! Keeping up to date with healthy and compassionate lifestyle choices is a big passion of mine. Other interests are yoga, reading, calligraphy, baking. Of immense importance, which permeates my whole life is my study and practice of Zen Buddhism.